Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to investigate an incident at Bellaire High School involving the alleged "social transitioning" of a student. This directive follows a letter sent by Governor Abbott to Representative Steve Toth, in which he expressed gratitude for bringing the issue to light.

In his letter, Governor Abbott emphasized parental rights, stating, "Parental rights are not stripped once a child enters a classroom." He added that schools should not promote "distorted notions of human biology" or contribute to gender dysphoria. He stated that if the allegations against Bellaire High School prove true, parental guarantees have been violated.

The TEA has initiated an investigation to determine whether educators at Bellaire High School acted inappropriately by socially transitioning a student without parental consent, potentially violating state laws designed to protect parental rights and prevent child abuse.

Earlier this year, Governor Abbott reiterated in his State of the State Address that Texas recognizes only two genders: male and female. He asserted that any educator discussing gender-transitioning with students should face termination. President Donald Trump also addressed this issue recently, labeling secretive efforts by teachers to transition children as child abuse. Under Texas law, licensed professionals who fail to report such cases may face criminal penalties.

The investigation by TEA is ongoing as they seek to clarify the situation at Bellaire High School.